How do you choose a charcoal barbecue?
1. How many people do you want to grill for?
The number of people you want to barbecue for determines the size barbecue you need. If you grill for large groups more often, choose a charcoal barbecue with a large cooking surface, for example. Don't forget to take into account how much meat you want to grill in one go, and the size of the ingredients you want to prepare.
2. Where will you use the charcoal barbecue?
Charcoal barbecue in the garden
If you have a garden, a large charcoal barbecue with an underframe will fit. A kettle barbecue like a Kamado or a column barbecue, for example. These barbecues have more options than more compact barbecues you take with you on the go.
Barbecuing on the beach or in the park
Like to barbecue on the beach or in the park? Choose a compact charcoal barbecue. You can easily take this with you (on holiday). Keep in mind that you're not allowed to barbecue in every public place.
Use on the balcony or roof terrace
You can light a compact charcoal barbecue on your balcony or roof terrace. Keep in mind that this releases smoke and could bother the neighbors. In addition, you're not allowed to use a charcoal barbecue on every balcony or roof terrace. So make sure to carefully check the laws and regulations.
Charcoal barbecue for the dining table
Do you want to put the barbecue on the dining table? Choose a tabletop barbecue with a heat-resistant wall. This allows you to barbecue safely on the table. The barbecue won't leave burn marks on the table. Tabletop charcoal barbecues are also more compact and lighter, so you can easily place them on the table.
3. Which functions should your barbecue have?
Lid
With a lid on your barbecue, you have optimal temperature control. Do you barbecue with the lid closed and does the barbecue have a high temperature? This creates an oven function. You can determine the temperature by regulating the air supply with the (often present) metal hinges.
Lid thermometer
With a lid thermometer, you can accurately monitor the temperature inside the barbecue.
Wheels
Barbecues with wheels are easy to move. Simply tilt them to use 2 wheels.
4. Useful extra functions
Before you make a choice, check the following:
1. Ventilation grids
Ventilation grids let you control the temperature inside the container.
2. Adjustable rack
This allows you to switch between different grilling methods (direct and indirect).
3. Ash collector or container?
Keep the area around the BBQ as clean as possible, because a cloud of ash often settles around the BBQ.
4. Warming rack
This allows to you keep your meals warm, or slowly cook them.
